Glass Nickel Pizza Co. is a handcrafted pizza franchise that began in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1997. It was founded by Brian Glassel and Tim Nicholson, who opened the first location on Atwood Avenue.

The brand is headquartered in Madison, and its franchising operations are managed by GN Independents, Inc., incorporated in 2006. Known for its dedication to quality and fresh ingredients, the company has expanded to multiple locations throughout Wisconsin.

The franchise started offering opportunities to others in late 2006, with new stores opening in places like Green Bay and Brookfield. Glass Nickel Pizza Co. specializes in pizza, calzones, salads, sandwiches, and beverages, with signature menu items like The Thai Pie, The Ranch, and the Fetalicious.

The brand emphasizes variety and creativity, catering to both traditional and adventurous pizza lovers.

Glass Nickel differentiates itself through sustainability and a local-first mindset. It uses eco-friendly delivery vehicles powered by recycled fryer oil and hybrids, energy-efficient ovens, and LED lighting.

Training

Glass Nickel Pizza Co. provides a structured training program for new franchisees to ensure consistent quality and operational excellence across all locations. The franchisor offers several components of training, designed to prepare franchisees for both day-to-day operations and long-term business success.

1. Initial Training Program: Franchisees and key personnel are required to attend and complete an initial training program provided by the franchisor. This training typically lasts up to four weeks and is held at an operating Glass Nickel Pizza Co. restaurant designated by the franchisor. It includes classroom instruction and hands-on learning covering menu preparation, customer service, sanitation, employee management, and point-of-sale (POS) systems.
2. On-Site Opening Assistance: The franchisor provides on-site support at the franchisee’s location around the time of the grand opening. This includes guidance in kitchen operations, front-of-house procedures, and staff training to ensure a smooth launch.
3. Ongoing Training and Support: Glass Nickel Pizza Co. offers continued access to updated operational procedures and may provide refresher courses or additional training as needed. Franchisees are expected to maintain the standards taught during initial training and are encouraged to participate in ongoing development opportunities.

Territory Protection

Glass Nickel Pizza Co. does offer limited territory protection to its franchisees. The franchisor typically grants an exclusive territory defined in the Franchise Agreement, which prevents them from establishing or licensing another franchised or company-owned restaurant within that area.

This protected territory is generally based on population density or a specified geographic radius, and its exact size may vary depending on market conditions.

However, the franchisor may reserve certain rights even within a protected area. For example, they may retain the ability to sell products through non-traditional venues such as stadiums, airports, or online platforms.